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How to Heal an Ingrown Toenail

Ingrown toenails occur when the nails in your toes grow in the wrong direction and dig into the surrounding skin. Symptoms include pain and redness at the edges of the toenail. The surrounding tissue may also swell and leak fluid or pus. The causes may be an incorrect nail trimming, tight shoes or socks or an inherited nail deformity. Incorrectly trimming the nail is the most common cause of ingrown nails. Fortunately, ingrown toenails can be healed effectively through lifestyle and home remedies, if the condition is treated in the early stages.

  1. Soak the Foot

    • It is recommended that you soak your foot in warm water for 15 to 20 minutes two or three times a day to reduce inflammation and tenderness, according to the Mayo Clinic. To help the nail grow above the skin edge, place cotton or dental floss underneath the toenail after each soaking. During the rest of the day, keep the foot dry and place a bandage over the infected area.

    Apply Over-The-Counter Products

    • Most drug stores carry a variety of over-the-counter ointments that may soften the nail and surrounding skin. Many products include anti-inflammatory agents, such as menthol, tea tree oil and other botanicals. Some products also contain salicylic acid, which softens the nail plate and eases the pain. Read directions carefully before applying an ointment or antibiotic cream. If home remedies do not work after two weeks, consult a podiatrist.

    Lift the Nail

    • The corner of the nail digging into the skin should be lifted, according to eMedicineHealth.com. Place a small roll of cotton or gauze between the nail and skin so the nail is elevated. Since this is a painful part of the home treatment, you may wish to take a pain reliever, such as Ibuprofen. An antiseptic should be applied to the area to prevent infection. Change the cotton roll daily. According to eMedicineHealth.com, it can take seven to 15 days before the nail grows out and does not poke the skin.

    Surgery

    • A physician may need to treat the ingrown toenail if there is excessive inflammation, pain or discharge because it is probably infected, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Sometimes surgery is necessary to remove a portion of the nail poking into the skin. First, the doctor will numb the area by injecting it with an anesthetic. Then, scissors are used to cut the ingrown part of the toenail. Oral antibiotics may also be prescribed to fight infection.

    Prevention

    • Trim your toenails straight across using a sharp, straight-edged clipper. This will prevent the corners of the nail from cutting into the skin. Wear shoes made of breathable material, such as canvas or leather. If you handle heavy objects, such as machinery, buy steel-toed shoes, which protect the toes.

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